Heredia Travel Guide

Heredia
Overview

Heredia, the City of Flowers, is a friendly and laidback town just a short 20 minute bus ride from San Jose. Whilst being so close to the capital its atmosphere is a world apart, with chaos being replaced with an abundance of colonial charm, attractive parks and plazas. Founded in 1706, what was once the playground for the Spanish upper crust is now a charming university town and the gateway to numerous mountain villages tucked away in the sprawling coffee plantations.

The focal point of town is Parque Central, which stands in the heart of the historic centre, one of the most appealing in the whole of Costa Rica. Dominated by the town’s most important church and El Fortin, the remnants of a Spanish Fort, the park is a fine place to either wander at will or simply sit back and watch the locals go by their business and groups of old men playing checkers for hours upon end. Besides colonial buildings, the streets around the park are lined with cafés and a number of bohemian bookstores.

Heredia benefits from consistently mild year round temperatures, which only adds to its appeal, so all visitors need do is jump on a bus from the capital and relax in the knowledge that a peaceful destination awaits.

Things to do in
Heredia

Iglesia de la Immaculada Concepcion - Often referred to as just La Immaculada, the Church of the Immaculate Conception is the centerpiece of the city’s Parque Central. Built in 1797, the church is one of only a few colonial buildings to have survived earthquakes. The surrounding grounds are good for people watching and wedding ceremonies.

Monte de la Cruz - Whether passing through or staying overnight, be sure to visit the summit of Monte de la Cruz for superb panoramic views of the city, surrounding regions and endless coffee plantations. On a good day it is possible to see the volcanoes of Poas and Brava in the distance.

Museo Zoomarine - Run by the marine biology department of the university, the museum is home to over 2000 species of marine life that can be in the waters of Costa Rica. Open 8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Heredia Daytrips - From Heredia it is possible to jump on a local bus headed for a host of wonderful mountain towns such as Santa Domingo de Heredia and Barva. Barva is arguably the nicest, a quaint village along the river clinging hard to its colonial roots. A walking trail runs part of the river leading to waterfalls and swimming holes. Santa Domingo is home to INBio Park, a 5-hectare nature park and education centre.

Heredia Nightlife - Heredia has plenty of cozy cafés and restaurants scattered around Parque Central and, although nothing compared with nearby San Jose, a reasonable collection of bars and nightclubs. Those wanting to party would do best to head to the university district which is busy most nights of the week. Discotheque Miraflores in Parque Central and Rancho Fofo are long time favorite spots. Outside of town, The Green Dragon Pub at Chalet el Tirol is a relaxing bar and restaurant.

Heredia
Weather

Heredia
Travel Resources

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